The Banner Boy Scouts eBook

Jack breathed easier, since he knew now that his brother
had not been concerned in the adventure; still, there
was that other thing—­but he had promised
Paul not to believe, or even suspect, anything so early
in the game.

“I admit that it does seem ludicrous; and no
doubt if I had been there I must have been strongly
tempted to laugh at the comical spectacle those six
pigs must have presented. But it is the spirit
of the thing that looks so bad. Growdy never
harmed a boy in his life, he says, and only wants
to be let alone; but they went out of their way to
play a malicious trick on the old man. It took
him the whole of Sunday to scrape that paint off the
hides of his pigs; which I consider a pretty hard
proposition. And I repeat what I said before,
that I’m pleased to know a son of mine would
not be guilty of so mean a trick.”

Karl left the table just then, and his brother fancied
that he looked a bit confused, as though his conscience
were troubling him, but then Jack hoped he might be
mistaken.

CHAPTER IV

THE FIRST SCOUT LEADER

Paul had said that he would be away the greater part
of the day, his father having asked him to go to the
city on an important errand.

Consequently there was no opportunity for the two
chums to confer upon any of the matters that were
interesting then.

But all the boys had agreed to meet at the house of
Nuthin’ that evening, to plunge deeper into
the subject of organizing at least one scout patrol
in Stanhope.

As usual Paul called for Jack, and as the latter’s
parents knew what was on tap, there was no opposition
shown to his going out.

“Has anything happened to-day?” whispered
the visitor, as he was joined by Jack in the hall.

“Yes, I was out a lot with the fellows, and
doing some chores around; but I mustered up enough
courage just before supper to go upstairs,” replied
the other, his voice giving plain warning as to what
was to follow, for it showed the strain.

“And counted the coins again, perhaps to find
them short, eh, Jack?”

“Well, you said there were eight, and now I
can count only six. Why, it’s getting to
be a regular clock-like piece of business. And
after what father said this morning, too.”

“What did he say?” asked Paul.

“Come along. I’ll tell you while
we’re on our way,” and Jack gave a nervous
look over his shoulder, as though afraid lest his brother
pop out on them unawares.

As they walked slowly along the road he spoke in the
affectionate manner in which Mr. Stormways had declared
his utmost faith in the honesty and integrity of his
two boys.

“But you’re not sure that Karl has anything
to do with the disappearing coins. Other boys
may have been up there to-day?” suggested his
friend, quickly.

“I asked mother, and she said she didn’t
remember that any one had come to see me. No,
the more I think about it the worse I feel. But
I guess you didn’t have any time to see old
Doc. Thomes before you went to the city, did
you?”